CHAPTER 1: CHAPTER 1: THE FUNERAL

On the day of Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s funeral, as the eldest granddaughter-in-law, Sabrina was supposed to go forward and pay respects with her husband, Jordan. However, he ignored her and their daughter, busy entertaining his first love, as if hosting an engagement press conference.

Today, many guests came to pay their respects.

There were celebrities from political and business circles and numerous media outlets.

Flashes went off continuously from cameras aimed at the two of them.

"Isn’t this the rumored Young Mrs. Hawthorne? She really matches well standing next to President Hawthorne, and the young master is quite adorable."

"Young Mrs. Hawthorne rarely shows up. Rumor has it she’s not presentable, but it seems that’s not true. It’s clear they’re reluctant to let others see her, like hiding a beauty in a golden house! Look at the way they gaze at each other... it’s evident there’s deep affection."

"That’s not Young Mrs. Hawthorne. The one standing in front of the portrait is."

"Ah? Then... why isn’t she standing next to President Hawthorne?"

"The woman beside President Hawthorne is Miss Sinclairs, said to be his first love. She went abroad a few years ago, has an esteemed status, and just returned after opening her own company."

"I heard it was Young Mrs. Hawthorne who, relying on Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s favor, insisted on marrying President Hawthorne, ruining their relationship. Later, Miss Sinclairs married someone out of heartbreak."

"A homewrecker getting ahead? No wonder she’s not favored and was driven out..."

Sabrina, originally immersed in grief, felt her heart constrict violently, as if pierced by a sharp blade upon hearing the whispers around her.

She looked up to meet countless eyes full of disdain and ridicule, causing her face to turn pale as she shifted her gaze to the figure not far away.

Jordan stood with perfect posture at the front of the memorial hall, dressed in a pure black suit and a black cashmere coat, exuding a cold distance, his handsome face devoid of expression, except for his beautiful brows and eyes, tinged with frost and snow, showing a hint of sorrow.

However, Brooke Sinclairs’s arrival seemed to melt the ice and snow in his deep eyes, adding a touch of warmth!

The man soon accompanied Brooke Sinclairs and the child to pay homage to Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s portrait.

Throughout, he never once glanced at Sabrina or their daughter, Zara.

A sense of bitterness filled Sabrina’s heart.

Her union with Jordan was indeed orchestrated by Old Mrs. Hawthorne.

Years ago, Jordan had a car accident, leaving his legs disabled, and he was terribly depressed.

Out of love for her grandson, Old Mrs. Hawthorne had hired her to treat Jordan.

She did her utmost, trying to guide him, helping him out of his gloom.

On the night of Jordan’s recovery, the Hawthorne family held a celebration banquet.

At the time, he was drunk, holding her and repeatedly calling out, "Ning Ning, Ning Ning..."

She lost herself then, filled with happiness, offering her body and soul completely.

Later, she became pregnant and married at Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s behest.

Now, Zara is three, and it’s the first time she heard he had a first love!

Brooke Sinclairs...

Brooke...

Sabrina suddenly felt unsure, recalling whether he had called Ning Ning or Brooke back then when he was drunk!

While Sabrina was lost in thought, Brooke Sinclairs finished her condolences and returned to the guest seat.

Jordan finally diverted some attention, walking over to Sabrina, "Many media are here today, you must take good care of Zara. I don’t want any issues at Grandma’s funeral!"

His words served as both a reminder and a warning.

Just a minute ago, his gentle eyes had already returned to a cold and indifferent look.

Sabrina felt a chill in her heart as she looked at him.

She had questions to ask, but she held back.

Grandma treated her so kindly, and she also hoped the elderly woman could pass peacefully.

This really wasn’t the place to talk.

Sabrina lowered her gaze, saying nothing, and took Zara out to the family waiting room outside the memorial hall.

Seeing her remain silent, Jordan frowned slightly, a bit displeased.

But he didn’t care much and returned to his place, standing side by side with Brooke Sinclairs.

Brooke Sinclairs’s eyes were red from crying, looking so pitiful.

Jordan handed her the handkerchief he carried with him.

Between the two of them, there was an inappropriate sense of sweetness.

Everyone’s attention was focused on them, so naturally, they didn’t notice the little boy nearby quietly slipping away.

He curiously made his way to the resting room...

Sabrina held Zara, still lost in sorrow.

Unexpectedly, someone burst in, pushing the door with a loud ’bang’ sound.

Zara flinched, clearly frightened.

Sabrina instinctively became alert, standing up to look at the door.

Brooke Sinclairs’s son, Sonny, swaggered in and glanced at Zara for a moment.

Then, with a mischievous look, he said, "Auntie, is this the daughter you and Dad Hawthorne had? I heard she has something wrong with her head, is it true?"

Sabrina was stunned for two seconds, unprepared for such words to come from a three-year-old.

Moreover, he called Jordan... Dad Hawthorne???

Sabrina’s heart sank, and she quickly shielded Zara, her eyes coldly fixed on him, "Who taught you to say such things???"

Zara is autistic, but few know. How did this child find out?

Did Jordan Hawthorne tell him?

Sonny thought he was right and asked again, "Why doesn’t she speak? Is she mute? Or is she an idiot? Or is she mentally ill?"

A series of questions burst out, and he suddenly said proudly, "No wonder Dad Hawthorne and everyone don’t like her..."

Sabrina’s face changed dramatically upon hearing this.

Driven by maternal instinct, she abruptly stood up and towered over the young boy, her eyes aflame with anger.

"You’re simply uncivilized! How can there be a child like you?"

But Sonny was unafraid, even with a tinge of arrogance, "Am I wrong?"

"You brat, get out of here right now!"

Sabrina never expected herself to be so enraged by a child.

She approached and grabbed the boy’s hand, intending to drag him out.

She was worried Zara might hear the words.

Luckily, Zara at that moment was focused on the little white flower in her hand and didn’t hear the boy’s words.

"I won’t leave. I just want to see how she can compare to me. Dad Hawthorne will only like me, not her."

Sonny continued to shout, making Sabrina so furious that she reached out to cover his mouth.

"Get out of here!"

Sabrina grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the door.

Sonny began to cry out immediately.

The commotion quickly drew attention from the funeral hall nearby.

Some media rushed over, pointing their cameras inside.

At that moment, a figure swiftly approached, closing the door to stop further filming.

It was Jordan Hawthorne!

He furrowed his brows tightly and looked down angrily, scolding, "Sabrina, what are you doing? How can you handle a child like this? Let go of Sonny!"

Sabrina, feeling wronged, responded loudly, "He came over here and spoke nonsense, constantly insulting Zara. I just wanted him to leave."

But Jordan coldly interrupted her, "What nonsense are you talking about! Sonny just returned from abroad and met Zara today. How could he maliciously insult Zara?"

His eyes were filled with distrust towards her, not willing to listen to any explanation.

"I didn’t..."

Sabrina wanted to argue.

But the coldness in the man’s eyes was like a bucket of cold water poured over her.

Her gaze quickly dimmed, and she immediately released the annoying child.

This man... would never believe her.

Realizing this, her heart seemed to plunge into an ice cellar at minus hundreds of degrees, and she could only turn to embrace Zara.

At this moment, The Hawthornes also came over.

Florence Scott, with a face full of disdain, reproached her, "Sabrina, you just have to stir up trouble today, making it uneasy for the old lady to leave, don’t you? Such disgrace on display!"

Ethan Hawthorne, Jordan’s brother, who had always disliked Sabrina, joined in the mockery.

"Sabrina, you are really something. Sonny is Brooke’s son. What right do you have to make baseless accusations? I think you’re just jealous! Making a scene at grandma’s funeral, such embarrassment... If you don’t want to stay, feel free to leave!"

Facing The Hawthornes’ cold stares, Sabrina felt sharp pain in her heart.

Unbelievably... no one believed her!

"Take care of Zara. It’s time for the family to give their respects soon. Don’t cause more trouble!"

Jordan’s voice once again sounded coldly.

Sabrina met his eyes, a hint of a sarcastic smile appearing on her face, "Does anyone here consider me family? Besides grandma, has anyone in The Hawthorne Family ever acknowledged me as a granddaughter-in-law?"

Clearly, someone else’s child was insulting Zara, yet you indiscriminately shielded them. Do you have your daughter in your heart?"

Her eyes were filled with desolation, "Jordan Hawthorne, you will get your comeuppance!"

This place was intolerable for another moment. She simply picked up Zara and left the funeral.

Behind her, Jordan’s face turned grim, his brows full of irritation.

Outside the funeral home, the wind mixed with rain, cold like sharp knives.

As it cut across her body, Sabrina’s heart felt like it was pierced with a large hole.

She stood alone holding Zara by the roadside, her face ashen.

She also wanted to stay to attend grandma’s funeral and send her off for one last time.

But The Hawthornes are chillingly indifferent.

Jordan Hawthorne’s actions were even more of a trample on their four-year marriage.

Sabrina was extremely disappointed and had to face a harsh reality...

Back then, Jordan Hawthorne wasn’t calling her name.

She needed to wake up!